Robert Redford, honorary Oscar winner:
"In keeping diversity alive, it will help keep our industry alive. One word that emerges is the word freedom, its importance, its rarity and how fortunate we are to have it, to be part of a freedom of expression that allows us to tell our stories in our own way.

So much mud was thrown this year, all the nominees look black

Host Whoopi Goldberg

"As an artist I just can't think of a better life than the one I've been blessed with. It's just a great ride."

Tom Cruise:
"What about a night like tonight? Should we celebrate the
joy and magic movies bring? Dare I say it? More than
ever."

Tom Wilkinson, In the Bedroom:
"I'm cucumber cool."

Whoopi Goldberg, Oscars host:
"So much mud was thrown this year, all the nominees look black."

Julian Fellowes, best screenplay - Gosford Park:"The big thing was whether it would get made not whether it would get an Oscar."

Julia Roberts, 2001 Oscar winner:
"Today's the day. My reign is over. No more supermarket openings. I have to pass it on to the next gal."